Specsavers take 2018 Chesterfield Retailer of the Year title

Chesterfield has once again proved it is a hotbed of independent and chain retailers with the return of the town’s popular awards.

National high street name, Specsavers, took the overall title of Retailer of the Year at the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards, which were organised by Destination Chesterfield. Specsavers was also named as National/Multiple Retailer of the Year, at the awards, a title they also won in 2016.

Gareth Webster, Retail Director at Specsavers commented on being crowned Retailer of the Year: “Winning Retailer of the Year is a proud moment for us all.

“Even though we’re a chain, each store is individually owned and we try to personalise our store and service. We pride ourselves on treating customers like our family and this award recognises the personal care and attention we give to them all.”

Retailer, Adorn Jewellers, which is based in the town’s historic Shambles, flew the flag for Chesterfield’s independent, taking home three titles on the night, including Independent Retailer of the Year, Jewellery & Accessories Retailer of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service.

Owner of Adorn Jewellers, Laura Jo Owen praised the town’s retail scene, saying: “Chesterfield has an amazing retail scene which we’re privileged to be part of. Since the business opened in 2010 we have been incredibly supported by both the retail community and our wonderful customers.”

Peter Swallow, Chairman of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of Bolsterstone PLC, the company behind Waterside said: “Chesterfield’s retail offering is really punching above its weight. The town boasts a 93% occupancy rate putting it amongst the UK’s top performing towns for retail.”

Occupancy rates are further improving in the town with the redevelopment of the former Co-op department store underway to transform it into a hotel and restaurants. Conversion of the former Post Office building to residential accommodation and a café is also well underway.

In 2016, Chesterfield was named as one of the UK’s top retail hotspots by Property Week, a leading news magazine in the commercial and residential property market. Chesterfield appeared at number 26 in the list, ahead of major cities such as Birmingham and Leeds and just behind Manchester at 25.

The Hot 100 UK Retail Locations ranking was compiled by location experts CACI exclusively for the magazine and focused on areas that have the most potential for investors. The Hot 100 ranking took into account a combination of headroom for future investment, residential catchment size, population growth, competition and catchment demographic to highlight the 100 locations across the UK that provide the biggest opportunities to investors.

As well as shops and stores, Chesterfield’s market stall holders were recognised at the event with two market hall and outdoor market traders being honoured at the awards. The market is central to Chesterfield’s identity as a town and it is increasing in popularity with the addition of Artisan, Farmers, Flea and Young Person’s markets as well as a Medieval Fun Day, to complement regular market days on Monday, Friday and Saturday.

Chesterfield Waterside provides exciting opportunities for retail and leisure operators, both around the new canal basin and along Brimington Road at the heart of the scheme. It offers a thriving mixed-use environment in which the hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and other leisure uses all have a vital part to play.

Waterside offers space for operators of hotels, health clubs and both multiple and independent bars, restaurants, cafes and shops of a wide range of sizes, ranging from 1,400 m² (15,000 ft²) to 6,000 m² (64,000 ft²) to suit your requirements.

Learn more about the retail opportunities at Chesterfield Waterside here or contact 01246 260206.